Hourly Interpreter - Pool

California State University, Bakersfield•Bakersfield, CA

11d•$21 - $40•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Director, Services for Students with Disabilities, the Hourly Interpreter plays a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive an accessible educational environment by providing proficient interpreting services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in a classroom or related instruction setting and/or activities. By facilitating effective communication in academic settings, meetings, and campus events, the Hourly Interpreter enhances student access to educational opportunities, supports their academic success, and promotes a campus culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Through skilled interpretation, the Hourly Interpreter contributes to the university's commitment to providing equitable access and support for all members of the campus community Assignments may involve technical or specialized subject matter and vocabulary. Individual assignments may vary based on the specific skills of the interpreter and the needs of students or other consumers. More difficult tasks may involve interpreting technical or specialized subject matter and vocabulary, which require using specialized signs, accommodating consumer requests for varied language preferences, and interpreting fast-spoken material. Specific complexity and skill factors include type of interpreting or communication system needed; difficulty or unique nature of the subject matter and vocabulary; speed of interpreting required; and number of Deaf and/or Hard-of-Hearing consumers serviced simultaneously.

Requirements

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – Any combination of formal training and relevant documented interpreting experience that demonstrates assurance of the skills appropriate for the level of the assignment(s) is required. Typically, sufficient interpreting training or experience requires graduation from an interpreter training program and/or relevant documented interpreting experience. In addition, a wide acquaintance with academic higher education through attendance at a postsecondary educational institution may be essential to fully comprehend and accurately interpret the concepts, language, and vocabulary used in the assigned instructional, academic, and/or administrative situations.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES (SKA’s) – Regular and reliable attendance is required.
Working knowledge of the process on interpretation.
Working knowledge of ASL and/or English sign system as required by the student(s) or the assignment.
Working knowledge of the methods and techniques used in communicating with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing consumers.
Working knowledge of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) code of professional conduct.
Working knowledge of the vocabulary used in the courses to which the Interpreter is assigned.
Demonstrated knowledge of Deaf Culture.
Ability to hear spoken English and use ASL, Signed English, and/or another manual sign system to effectively generate language.
Ability to interpret and transliterate between the ASL and sign systems and spoken English at a speed required by the assignment, which may involve a variety of settings such as a classroom, conference, and/or one-on-one meeting.
Ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds.
Possession of strong receptive and expressive communication skills and ability to understand the message, convey the register, tone, intent, and content of the speaker.
Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism.
Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems.
Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner.
Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Ability to interpret, communicate and apply policies and procedures.
Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
Excellent computer skills and competence with a variety of computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email.
Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure.
Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development.
Must be able to work overtime, occasional holidays, and adjust working hours to meet special jobs.
May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years of experience interpreting in a higher education setting.
Bachelor’s degree
National certification by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, or National Association for the Deaf.
Demonstrated skills in an institutional/educational environment possessing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude.

Responsibilities

Interpreting Services Interpret spoken English into American Sign Language (ASL) or other manual sign systems, and vice versa, in classroom settings, tutoring sessions, meetings, and campus events.
Utilize specialized signs and accommodate diverse language preferences to accurately convey technical or specialized subject matter and vocabulary.
Maintain a high level of accuracy in conveying the register, tone, intent, and content of the speaker’s message.
Adapt communication strategies based on the specific requirements of instructional settings and academic content.
Facilitate effective interaction between deaf or hard-of-hearing consumers and hearing participants in academic and non-academic environments.
Uphold professional standards and adhere to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) code of professional conduct, maintaining confidentiality and neutrality in all interpreting assignments.
Handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality regarding student records, accommodations, and interactions.
Demonstrate cultural competency and respect for diverse backgrounds and perspectives in interpreting interactions and professional relationships.
Seek feedback from consumers, peers, and supervisors to improve interpreting techniques and effectiveness.
Stay informed about advancements in assistive technologies and resources that support deaf and hard-of-hearing accessibility in educational settings.
Scheduling Support Communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and students to clarify interpreting needs and facilitate smooth interactions.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive student information and interpreting assignments.
Assist in scheduling and coordinating interpreting services for university-wide events and activities as needed.